In an interview format, we spoke to Wang Yifei, a photographer who captured the recent rainy scene at West Lake in Hangzhou amid the influence of Typhoon “Tammei.”
Wang, can you describe the weather conditions in Hangzhou on October 26th?
“On that day, we experienced significant rainfall in Zhejiang Province, particularly in the eastern areas of Taizhou and Wenzhou, which saw especially strong downpours. This was primarily due to the outer circulation of Typhoon ‘Tammei,’ which affected the coastal and northern regions of Zhejiang.”
What can you tell us about the impacts of Typhoon “Tammei”?
“Even though ‘Tammei’ was located in the South China Sea, its expansive cloud circulation had widespread effects. As it moved westward, it pushed the northeastern cloud system into the coastal areas of Zhejiang. Coupled with the emergence of Typhoon ‘Connie,’ it acted like a pump, continuously supplying moisture to the skies above Zhejiang, resulting in heavy rainfall.”
What were the rainfall predictions during this period?
“From 8 AM on the 26th to 8 AM on the 27th, the southeastern coastal regions of Zhejiang are expected to receive between 40 to 90 millimeters of rain, with some areas in eastern Wenzhou and Taizhou possibly seeing between 100 to 180 millimeters, and certain locations potentially exceeding 250 millimeters. The maximum hourly rainfall could reach between 40 to 70 millimeters.”
How is the situation expected to evolve after the 27th?
“By the 27th, ‘Tammei’ is anticipated to lose its influence over Zhejiang, but a southward-moving cold air mass will still bring rain. We’ll likely see moderate to heavy rainfall in northern and coastal areas, particularly in regions like Shaoxing, Ningbo, Taizhou, and Wenzhou, which may experience localized heavy downpours. The significant precipitation should subside by the 28th, leading into a period of pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures at the beginning of next month.”
What is the status of the ocean conditions along the Zhejiang coast?
“As of 8 AM on the 26th, the Zhejiang Provincial Marine Monitoring and Forecast Center lifted the wave warning. The impact of the cold air and the outer reaches of ‘Tammei’ on the coastal waters has diminished, bringing wave heights down to below 2.5 meters.”
Is there any advisory regarding geological disaster risks due to the rainfall?
“Indeed, there is a joint warning issued by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Natural Resources and the Meteorological Bureau for the next 24 hours. Some areas, such as Cangnan in Wenzhou, have a high risk for geological disasters (orange alert), while other regions like Yongjia, Pingyang, Wencheng, Taishun, Ruian, and Leqing in Wenzhou, along with parts of Taizhou, face a relatively high risk (yellow alert).”
Thank you, Wang, for your insights on the weather conditions and their implications for the region.
